Jammu, 20 October (H.S.): Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, today expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary for the approval of investment plans worth Rs 475.41 crore under the PM-SETU Scheme for the upgradation of ten Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Jammu and Kashmir.

The approval by the National Steering Committee marks a significant step towards strengthening the skill development ecosystem in the Union Territory, enhancing vocational training infrastructure and creating better employment opportunities for the youth.

Under the approved plan, the Jammu cluster will receive an investment of Rs 240 crore, with ITI Jammu designated as the hub institute and ITIs at R.S. Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua functioning as linked institutes. The Srinagar cluster will receive Rs 235.41 crore, with ITI Srinagar as the hub institute and ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief as linked institutes.

The proposed upgradation will focus on modern workshops, advanced machinery and equipment, improved instructor training and industry-aligned courses to ensure that young people acquire skills relevant to the evolving needs of the job market.

Expressing his appreciation, Sunil Sharma said, I sincerely thank Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Minister, Jayant Chaudhary for this landmark approval. The investment of Rs 475.41 crore will give a major boost to skill development in Jammu and Kashmir and open new avenues of opportunity for our youth. By strengthening our ITIs and aligning vocational training with industry requirements, this initiative will help our young people become more skilled, employable and self-reliant.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar